From Aqua Guide, the free encyclopedia
Rope Fish
Erpetoichthys calabaricus
- Temperature
- 23–30 °C
- pH
- 6 – 7.5
- Min. tank size
- 540 L
- Lifespan
- 10-15 years
- Diet
- carnivore
- Care level
- moderate
| Scientific classification | |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name: | Erpetoichthys calabaricus |
| Family: | Polypteridae |
| Origin: | West/Central Africa (slow, warm waters of the Niger Delta region) |
| Care Characteristics | |
| Care Level: | moderate |
| Diet: | carnivore |
| Max Size: | 90.00 cm |
| Water Type: | freshwater |
| Temp Group: | tropical |
| Temperament: | peaceful |
| Min Group: | Can be kept alone |
| Varieties: | No cultivated strains, and no colour forms — every rope fish in the trade is a wild-caught wild-type animal. Individual variation in the depth of the olive-brown colouring and the extent of the pale underside is modest. Erpetoichthys calabaricus is the only species in its genus, which makes it unusual among the fish in this guide — there is nothing to confuse it with within its own group. Its relatives are the bichirs, genus Polypterus, in the same family Polypteridae. They share the armoured ganoid scales, the row of dorsal finlets, the accessory air breathing and the escape habit, and they differ in having pelvic fins and a much heavier build. The Senegal bichir is the smallest commonly traded, at around 35 cm; the ornate and saddled bichirs are considerably larger. Unrelated fish sold under similar names include the true eels, the spiny eels (Mastacembelidae) and the various knifefish — none of which are close relatives, and all of which have different requirements. |
| Lifespan: | 10-15 years |
Quick Tips
- Bioload:Medium to high
- Min Tank:540 L
- Substrate:Soft sand; caves and dense cover; an absolutely escape-proof, gap-free lid
- Plant Safe:Plant-safe
- Filtration:Moderate to high
Rope Fish (Erpetoichthys calabaricus) is a species of fish in the family Polypteridae. It is native to West/Central Africa (slow, warm waters of the Niger Delta region). The rope fish can drown. Its swim bladder functions as an accessory breathing organ, and it must reach the surface for air — specialists note it may actually drown if denied access to atmospheric air. A tank filled to the brim, or one with the surface entirely covered, will kill it. It is a polypterid from the Niger Delta region of West and Central Africa, related to the bichirs and built like a snake: a long, armoured, ribbon-shaped body with no pelvic fins at all, gliding through rockwork and planting rather than swimming over it. The size figure is worth knowing. Maximum standard length is 900 mm — 35 inches — though aquarium specimens typically reach around 40 cm. Either number is a large fish, and the specialist minimum tank is a 150 × 60 cm base at around 540 litres. It is also an excellent escape artist.
Compatibility
- Temperament
- peaceful
- Keep in
- Can be kept alone
- Swims
- bottom
- Fin nipper
- No
- Delicate fins
- No
Species similar to Rope Fish
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